Sikh pilgrimage to Pak shrine granted nod amid tensions

The Union government on Thursday granted permission to Sikh pilgrims to undertake a 10-day journey to the Nankana Sahib shrine in Pakistan and mark the birth anniversary of Sikhism’s founder Guru Nanak, roughly two weeks after it refused permission for the holy trip citing security concerns.

- Surjit Singh

The information was confirmed by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) which facilitate the pilgrims’ journey to Pakistan on special occasions.

“Several requests have now been received from Sikh organisations and leaders to review the decision of the government and allow Sikh Jathas on the occasion of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birth anniversary as it is important to the Sikh ethos and religious heritage. ‘Accordingly, the government has now reviewed the restrictions imposed on travel of Sikh Jathas to Pakistan for this occasion only,” said a letter from the Union home ministry to chief secretaries of northern states including Punjab.

“While security threats to the Indian pilgrims exist and extreme caution is advised, the government has decided to allow travel of Sikh Jathas to Pakistan on the occasion of Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary w»” the letter added.

Sikh organisations including SGPC, DSGMC, and the Akal Takht welcomed the Centre’s government’s decision to allow the Sikh jatha (group) to visit Nankana Sahib and other historic shrines in Pakistan on the occasion of the Parkash Purb (birth anniversary) of Guru Nanak.